by Jaclyn Chasse, ND
In the area of pediatric anesthesia, melatonin has been studied as an alternative to general anesthesia for diagnostic procedures such as MRI or brainstem audiology. It has also been studied as a premedication to general anesthesia for surgical procedures. Study results conflict as to the efficacy of melatonin as an effective alternative.

by Alan R. Gaby, MD
While excessive UVR exposure is clearly undesirable, the results of the present study support other evidence indicating that spending a moderate amount of time in the sun can be beneficial.

by Jacob Schor, ND, FABNO
Given these collected data, we should feel confident at encouraging pistachio consumption for patients with undesirable cardiovascular risk factors, and we should now entertain the same prescription for those with erectile dysfunction.

by Sherry Torkos, RPh
Avoiding known risk factors for breast cancer, such as alcohol ingestion and use of oral contraceptives and HRT, and maintaining a healthy body weight and getting regular physical activity are important measures for breast cancer prevention. Dietary supplements may play a supportive role in reducing risk.

by Carolyn Dean, MD, ND
One health practice that you, as practitioners, can easily encourage is a higher intake of magnesium for your patients. The foods to advise are deep green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. The oral supplements come in many forms. However, magnesium oxide is the least absorbed form. If a patient finds the laxative effect too strong with oral supplements, you could suggest magnesium oils, creams, and gels or magnesium baths with Epsom salts.

Book Reviews

by Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO
I have to admit that when I hefted Clinical Naturopathic Medicine by Leah Hechtman, ND, out of its delivery box, my first thoughts were along the lines of, “Whoa. This is a big book.” I know, not exactly my best example of penetrating insight. The book impresses with its 1,596 textbook-sized pages, and despite being bound in soft cover with a soothing and very natural picture of ginkgo leaves on the front cover, it is heavy and, frankly, rather commanding. However, its imposing girth gives way immediately to a genuinely delightful engrossment upon opening the book.

Peer-Reviewed Articles

by Jeremy Appleton, ND
Anxiety is a common complaint and may range from every day stress to clinically relevant symptoms requiring medical intervention. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can experience excessive anxiety and worry associated with the stresses of everyday life.

by Erin Psota, ND
Fever in children is one of the most common reasons that parents and caregivers seek the advice of healthcare practitioners. As an adaptive immune response against infectious agents, fevers are a beneficial process and a positive indicator of healthy immune function. Because of the risk of serious bacterial illness, it is of utmost importance that naturopathic physicians working with the pediatric population have clear guidelines for treating and referring their pediatric patients.

Healthcare Perspectives

by Karen E. Howard
IHS has created its list of “priority health professions” based on the expressed needs of its constituents and ranked those positions in order of priority. Naturopathic medicine is currently last in the list of priorities, indicative of the need to educate stakeholders on how naturopathic physicians can improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Sponsored Podcasts

by Natural Medicine Journal
Chelated mineral expert, Max Motyka, discusses the benefits and clinical research associated with this form of nutritional mineral. Several chelated minerals are mentioned including iron, calcium, magnesium and others. Absorption and clinical relevance of these chelated minerals is explored.

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